Shoes: An Illustrated History

Although not everyone is a manic aficionado like Imelda Marcos, everyone does have some interest in footwear, if only to protect the feet. But, shoes are more than just utilitarian to most people, and the history of footwear fashion is brilliantly explored in Shoes: An Illustrated History.

Shoes have a long and varied history. The book begins with the earliest known examples of sandals, continues through the footwear of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, to Industrialization, and on to the twentieth century. Each chapter continues the history, explaining the changes in style and the purposes of the new footwear that came into fashion in the era. The many shoe types are explained as well, and their accouterments are expounded on. Readers of this micro-history will gain an impressive overview of (mostly) Western European history as well, and learn all sorts of fascinating details about shoe-making, tools, craft, artistry, and cultural symbolism. It is a wonderful read, and accompanied by excellent photographs of the eras’ shoes or style as discussed, as well as paintings, drawings, and quotations that round out the story told in this impressive volume.